Visualize a set bringing to life the grand Raigad Fort, 700 dancers dancing in flawless unison, and the sound of authentic Marathi instruments resonating through the air, all in commemoration of a bygone era. That was the atmosphere on the sets of ‘Chhaava,’ director Laxman Utekar’s historical drama about the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, with Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. News emerged that this complicated song sequence has been cut from the final version of the movie, leaving the fans with only memories and behind-the-scenes shots of what would have been an absolutely spectacular film moment.
The withdrawn song sequence was envisioned as an elaborate recreation of Sambhaji Maharaj’s 1681 coronation ceremony. As per accounts of the shoot, production designers Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray meticulously built a complex set at Film City, the appropriate backdrop for the recreation of this momentous event of Maratha history.
Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman directed the music for ‘Chhaava,’ and for this specific song, he is known to have used traditional instruments such as the dholki, tuntune, and sambal with the intention of bringing out the original sounds of the period. The choreography was handed over to Vijay Ganguly, who had previously worked on films such as ‘Stree 2,’ and he created a colorful dance number with more than 1,500 people to represent the whole city of Raigad uniting for the special occasion.
The song was said to have been inspired by Powada, a Marathi poetic form that commemorates the acts of kings and heroes. The order was planned to highlight Sambhaji, played by Vicky Kaushal, conducting the yagna and thread ceremony, while his wife, Yesubai, played by Rashmika Mandanna, performs the Rajabhishek and aarti. The climax of the song would have witnessed Sambhaji Maharaj ascending to the throne, a strong visual symbol of his rise.
Historical accuracy was paramount, with research revealing information from a London newspaper that documented the coronation ceremony as being a colorful and considerable affair. The focus on detail was intended to move the audience back in time.
While the other music in the rest of the film was meant to be played in the background, this song was envisioned as a proper dance number. The shooting, according to reports, was done over four days, capturing the pomp and vigor of the coronation.
The elimination of this song from “Chhaava” is bound to disappoint those who have been looking forward to its launch. Even if we don’t get to experience this particular spectacle on the silver screen, ‘Chhaava’ continues to be an engrossing period drama, unfolding the life and rule of an iconic Maratha king.
